Tent having a ventilation flap actuated from inside the tent

The internal actuating device with a rigid rod and zipper mechanism simplifies ventilation flap operation in tents, addressing the need for flexible frame elements and enhancing usability and versatility.

EP4575147A1Active Publication Date: 2025-06-25DECATHLON SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2024216651
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-12-12
Filing Date
2024-11-29
Publication Date
2025-06-25
Estimated Expiration
2044-11-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing tents require flexible elements of the frame to open ventilation flaps, limiting their applicability to specific tent structures and complicating operation.

Method used

A tent with a ventilation flap actuated by an internal actuating device, using a rigid rod connected to a zipper-like element that moves the flap between open and closed positions, allowing operation from inside the tent without requiring a flexible frame element.

Benefits of technology

Enables easy one-handed operation of the ventilation flap, maintaining compactness and versatility across different tent types, ensuring the flap remains closed even in windy conditions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a tent comprising: a tent fabric (20) having at least one ventilation opening; a flap (34) connected to the tent fabric, the flap being movable between a ventilation position and a closed position; an actuating device (50) for moving the flap between the ventilation position and the closed position, the actuating device comprising an actuating element movable in a direction of movement, the actuating device further comprising a rod which connects the actuating element to the flap, whereby movement of the actuating element in the direction of movement moves the flap between the ventilation position and the closed position.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of tents for camping or any outdoor activity. It relates more particularly to the problem of ventilation of such tents. Previous Technique

[0002] There are currently several types of tents, such as "igloo" tents, which are erected by the user using metal or inflatable poles. There are also so-called "pop-up" tents, which are self-deploying in that they expand by automatically deploying the frame.

[0003] A known problem with tents, whether self-deploying or not, is ventilation. Since the tent's volume is small, ventilation must be provided to renew the air inside the tent. Document FR2886961 proposes a tent equipped with a ventilation system that can be operated from inside the tent and includes a flap associated with a flexible loop on the frame. The ventilation system is equipped with a tie connected to the flap and extending inside the tent. The user must pull on the tie to bend the flexible element and close the flap.

[0004] A disadvantage of this earlier tent is that the flap must be associated with a flexible element of the tent to allow the flap to open automatically. This arrangement is therefore specific to the structure of the tent which must necessarily include loops and in particular a flexible upper loop connected to the flap.

[0005] KR20180013670 describes a tent with a ventilation flap that is operated from outside the tent using two rods pivotally mounted on the outer face of the tent fabric. Statement of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a tent provided with a ventilation flap which does not require a flexible element of the frame to allow it to be opened.

[0007] The invention achieves its aim by a tent according to claim 1 comprising: a frame; a tent canvas cooperating with the frame, the tent canvas comprising at least one ventilation opening; a flap connected to the tent canvas, the flap being movable between a ventilation position and a closed position in which the flap covers the ventilation opening; an actuating device for moving the flap between the ventilation position and the closed position, the actuating device comprising an actuating element movable in a direction of movement between an open position and a closed position, the actuating device further comprising a rod which connects the actuating element to the flap, whereby the movement of the actuating element in the direction of movement moves the flap between the ventilation position and the closed position, the actuating element being arranged inside the tent.

[0008] Thus, the flap is in the closed position when the actuating element is in the closing position, while the flap is in the ventilation position when the actuating element is in the opening position. The tent according to the invention therefore does not require a flexible element of the frame to allow it to be opened. Furthermore, the opening and closing of the flap can be carried out using only one hand.

[0009] Preferably, the shutter is partially open when the actuating element is between the closed position and the open position.

[0010] Moving the actuating element moves the rod, which in turn moves the shutter. The rod can be straight or curved. It is also rigid.

[0011] It is understood that the rod pulls the flap towards the tent canvas when the actuating element is brought to its closed position. Conversely, the rod pushes the flap away from the tent canvas when the actuating element is brought to its open position.

[0012] When the shutter is in the closed position, it covers the vent opening. Conversely, when the shutter is in the venting position, it is moved away from the vent opening to allow air to flow through the vent opening.

[0013] According to the invention, the actuating element is arranged inside the tent in order to allow the user to operate the flap from inside the tent. The actuating element is preferably located inside the tent canvas.

[0014] It is understood that the actuating device according to the invention does not require a flexible element, such as a frame loop, to allow the shutter to open, which makes it possible to equip the actuating device on any type of tent.

[0015] Advantageously, the actuating element cooperates with the tent canvas. One advantage is to make the actuating device easy for the user to access. Another advantage is that the actuating device remains connected to the tent canvas, even when it is folded.

[0016] More preferably, at least part of the actuating element is integrated into the tent canvas, which contributes to its compactness.

[0017] The rod is preferably connected in an articulated manner to the actuating element, and also in an articulated manner to the shutter.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is a slider of a zipper.

[0019] In this embodiment, the zipper is preferably integrated into the tent canvas.

[0020] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the slider may be single or double. The zipper may also be of the non-opening type so that it remains closed when the slider is moved between its closed and open position. Such non-opening zippers are known elsewhere, for example for adjusting the length of ski pants.

[0021] Preferably, the rod is connected to the slider. More preferably, the slider is fixed to a first end of the rod, while the second end of the rod, opposite the first end, is fixed to the shutter, whereby the movement of the slider causes the movement of the rod and therefore of the shutter.

[0022] Advantageously, the actuating element is arranged below the ventilation opening. In the embodiment with a zipper, the latter is preferably arranged below the ventilation opening, being integrated into the tent canvas.

[0023] Preferably, the direction of movement of the actuating element is substantially horizontal. By substantially horizontal, we mean a direction making an angle of plus or minus 20° relative to the horizontal.

[0024] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the direction of movement could be substantially vertical.

[0025] Preferably, the rod connects the actuating element to a lower end portion of the shutter.

[0026] Preferably, the shutter comprises a stiffening element, for example a hoop or any other type of stiffening element by which the shutter retains a substantially flat shape when it is in the ventilation and closing position.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the flap comprises an upper part which is connected to the tent canvas along a connecting line, the upper part being arranged above the ventilation opening. Preferably, the upper part of the flap is sewn to the tent canvas. Alternatively, the flap could form a single piece with the tent canvas.

[0028] The movement of the flap, and where applicable of the stiffening element, relative to the tent canvas is a rotational movement around an axis passing through the connecting line between the flap and the tent canvas.

[0029] Advantageously, the actuating device further comprises a holding device to keep the shutter in the closed position. One advantage is to ensure that the shutter remains in the closed position, particularly when traction is exerted from the outside. The holding device therefore makes it possible to keep the shutter in the closed position, particularly in the event of a gust of wind. It also makes it possible to prevent an attempt to open the shutter from outside the tent.

[0030] Advantageously, the holding device comprises a cord which connects the actuating element to the shutter, and a return element arranged in the tent and cooperating with the cord so that the cord holds the shutter in the closed position when the actuating element is in the closed position.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the tent is a self-deploying tent provided with an interior chamber arranged under the tent canvas, the frame being self-deploying and cooperating with the interior chamber.

[0032] Preferably, the actuating element is located between the inner chamber and the tent fabric. The inner chamber preferably has an opening for accessing said space, and allowing the user to access the actuating element from the inner chamber. The user can thus operate the flap while being in the inner chamber.

[0033] The return element is, for example, a ring through which the cord passes.

[0034] Preferably, the return element cooperates with the inner chamber.

[0035] Even more preferably, the return element is located between the open and closed positions.

[0036] More preferably, the return element is closer to the open position than to the closed position. Description of the drawings

[0037] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention given as a non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] There Figure 1 illustrates a tent according to one embodiment of the invention, provided with a ventilation flap in the ventilation position. Fig. 2 ] There Figure 2 is a detailed view of the device for actuating the tent flap of the Figure 1 , in ventilation position; [ Fig. 3 ] There Figure 3 is a view of the actuating device of the Figure 2 , in an intermediate position; and [ Fig. 4 ] There Figure 4 is a view of the actuating device of the Figure 2 in closed position. Detailed description

[0038] With the help of the figures 1 to 4 , we will describe a non-limiting example of the construction of a tent 10 in accordance with the present invention. In this example, the tent 10 is a self-deploying tent. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the tent according to the invention could be of a type other than a self-deploying tent, for example a tent which is erected manually by the user, for example a tent with metal poles or an inflatable frame.

[0039] The tent 10 includes a frame 11 which, in this example, is equipped with loops made of flexible hoops 12, 14 which are arranged, in a manner known elsewhere, to geometrically form a base loop 16 and a top loop 18 shaped like a horse saddle. The frame is self-deploying. The base loop 16 is intended to come into contact with the ground S,while the upper loop 18 defines the interior volume of the tent. The tent 10 can therefore present a deployed position, illustrated in Figure 1 , and a disc-shaped folded position. This type of self-deploying tent is known elsewhere, and the operating principle will not be described here.

[0040] The tent 10 also includes a tent canvas 20 which cooperates with the framework 11. In this example, the frame 11 supports the tent canvas 20, so that the deployment of the frame has the effect of creating volume and tension in the tent canvas 20. In this example, the tent also has an inner chamber 22 which is arranged inside the tent canvas, the inner room 22 cooperating with the framework 11, for example by means of spacing means known elsewhere.

[0041] The tent canvas 20 has several canvas walls, including a front wall 26 in which a door opening is provided 28. A tent canvas 20 also has a central wall 30 in the shape of a horse saddle which is arranged between the hoops 12 And 14. The central wall 30 includes a ventilation opening 32 which is located on a side edge of the tent.

[0042] The tent 10 includes a shutter 34 which is connected to the tent canvas 20, and more precisely in this example to the central portion 30. In this example, the shutter 34 has an upper part 34 connected to the tent canvas. The upper part 34 a is arranged above the ventilation opening. The shutter 34 further comprises a lower end portion 34b, opposite the upper part 34 a, which is directed towards the ground S.

[0043] In this example, the flap is sewn to the central portion 30 along a connecting line 35. In this example, the shutter is made from the same material as the tent canvas.

[0044] In this example, the shutter 34 includes a stiffening element 36 which comes in the form of an arch 38. In this example, the hoop 38 is mobile relative to the frame 11 of the tent.

[0045] Furthermore, the arch 38, which has a “U” shape, delimits the shutter 34.

[0046] We also note that the shutter 34 has a surface area that is greater than the surface area of ​​the ventilation opening 32 so as to cover it.

[0047] The shutter 34is movable between a venting position, illustrated in Figure 1 , and a closed position in which the shutter covers the ventilation opening 32. When moving between the ventilation position and the closed position, the shutter and the stiffening hoop pivot around an axis A passing through the seam line 35.

[0048] According to the invention, the tent 10 further comprises an actuating device 50 to pass the shutter 34 between the ventilation position and the closed position. The actuating device 50 comprises an actuating element movable in a substantially horizontal direction of movement between an open position illustrated in Figure 2 , and a closing position, illustrated in Figure 4 .The actuating element is located inside the tent to allow the user to operate the flap from inside the tent. In this example, the actuating element is in the space between the inner chamber and the tent fabric. The inner chamber may have an opening to allow the user to reach from the inner chamber to access the actuating element.

[0049] In this non-limiting example, the actuating element cooperates with the tent canvas. It comprises a slider 54 of a zipper 56 which is integrated into the tent canvas 20. We also note that the zipper 56 is integrated into the portion 30 tent canvas 20. In this example, the zipper is of the non-opening type, that is, it does not open when the slider is moved. The slider 54is connected to a small rope that extends inside the tent, in the space between the inner chamber and the tent canvas.

[0050] Furthermore, the actuating element 52, as well as the cursor 54 and the zipper 56, are arranged below the ventilation opening 32. In this example, the first end part 56 has a zipper 56, where the cursor is located 54 when the actuating element is in the closed position, is slightly curved, so as to help keep the slider in the closed position.

[0051] The actuating device 50 further includes a stem 60, visible on the figures 1, 2 And 3 which connects the actuating element 52, in this example the cursor 54, to the shutter 34. In this non-limiting example the rod is straight. We understand that the rod60 has a first end 60 which is hingedly connected to the cursor 54, and a second end 60 b, opposite the first end 60 a, which is hingedly connected to the shutter 34.

[0052] More precisely, the stem 60 connects the actuating element 52 at the lower end part 34 b of the shutter. In this example, the rod 60 is made of plastic or metal. In this example, the second end 60b of the stem 60 is connected to the stiffening element 36.

[0053] Referring to the figures 2 And 3 , it is noted that, in the open position of the actuating element, the rod 60is arranged so as to be inclined relative to the tent canvas at an angle α 0 which is of the order of 60° in this example. In the intermediate position of the actuating element 52 illustrated in Figure 3 , in which the cursor 54 is between the open and closed position, we see that the rod 60 forms an angle α 1 with respect to the tent canvas which is less than the angle α 0 , which has the effect that the second end 60 B of the rod is closer to the tent canvas than in the open position. We therefore understand the displacement of the actuating element 52 between the open and closed position allows the distance to be varied d between the lower end part of the hoop and the tent canvas, which has the effect of opening / closing the flap.

[0054] On the Figure 4 ,the actuating element is illustrated in the closed position, the rod 60 being represented by dotted lines. We understand that the distance d between the lower end part of the arch 60 and the tent canvas is minimal, the angle α also being minimal. We understand on the figures 2 to 4 , than the distance between the first end 56 has the zipper and the second end 60 b of the rod is greater than the distance between the second end 56 b of the zipper, corresponding to the opening position, and the second end 60 b of the stem 60.

[0055] As indicated above, moving the actuating element in the direction of travel causes the shutter to move 34 between the ventilation position and the closed position.

[0056] Referring again to the figures 2 And 3 ,we note that the actuating device 50 further includes a holding device 70 to hold the shutter in the closed position. In this example, the holding device 70 has a cord 72 which connects the actuating element 52 to the shutter 34. The holding device 70 further includes a referral element 74 which is arranged in the tent and which cooperates with the cord. In this example, the return element 74 has a ring 76 which is attached to the inner chamber 22 by means of a fixing organ 78. We understand that the cord 72 passes through the ring 76. With the help of the figures 2 to 4 , it is understood that, when the actuating element 52 is in the closed position, as shown in Figure 4 , the cord 72is stretched and exerts traction on the lower end of the panel 34 directed towards the tent canvas. As the actuating element 52 is stationary in the closed position, the cord 72 lock the shutter 34 against the tent 20. When the slider is brought to the open position, the cord moves to accompany the opening movement of the shutter.

[0057] We also note that the tent canvas 20 further includes a secondary opening 21, located below the zipper 56 and that the strand of the cord 72 located between the ring and the flap crosses the tent canvas 20 through this secondary opening 21.

Claims

1. Tent (10) comprising: a frame (11); a tent canvas (20) cooperating with the frame (11), the tent canvas (20) comprising at least one ventilation opening (32); a flap (34) connected to the tent canvas (20), the flap being movable between a ventilation position (34) and a closed position in which the flap covers the ventilation opening (32);an actuating device (50) for moving the flap (34) between the ventilation position and the closed position, the actuating device (50) comprising an actuating element (52) movable in a direction of movement (D) between an open position and a closed position, the actuating device (50) further comprising a rod (60) which connects the actuating element (52) to the flap, whereby the movement of the actuating element (52) in the direction of movement (D) moves the flap (34) between the ventilation position and the closed position, the actuating element being arranged inside the tent in order to allow the user to operate the flap from inside the tent.; 2. Tent according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element (52) cooperates with the tent canvas.

3. Tent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating element (52) is a slider (54) of a zipper (56).

4. Tent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuating element (52) is arranged below the ventilation opening (32).

5. A tent according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the direction of movement is substantially horizontal.

6. A tent according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rod (60) connects the actuating element (52) to a lower end portion (34b) of the flap.

7. Tent according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the flap (34) comprises a stiffening element (36).

8. Tent according to claim 7, in which the stiffening element comprises a hoop (38).

9. A tent according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the flap comprises an upper portion (34a) which is connected to the tent fabric (20), the upper portion being arranged above the ventilation opening.

10. A tent according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuating device (50) further comprises a holding device (70) for holding the flap (34) in the closed position.

11. Tent according to claim 10, in which the holding device (70) comprises a cord (72) which connects the actuating element (52) to the flap, and a return element (74) arranged in the tent and cooperating with the cord so that the cord holds the flap in the closed position when the actuating element is in the closed position.

12. Tent according to any one of the preceding claims, said tent being a self-deploying tent provided with an interior chamber (22), the frame (11) being self-deploying and cooperating with the interior chamber.

13. Tent according to claim 12, in which the return element (74) cooperates with the inner chamber (22).

14. A tent according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the actuating element is disposed between the inner chamber (22) and the tent fabric (20).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Safety ventilation structure of outdoor tent

    KR1020180013670A

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    FR2886961A1

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    FR2982896A1

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    US20070151589A1